Mazda's Skyactiv Technology Explained - Vol.300
Mazda believes its Skyactiv concept is the reason its sales have received spikes during the technologies introduction into the market. But if you went on the street and tried asking normal car owners what it is exactly, you wouldn't get very many confident answers. It does take some explaining so here's a quick one to get your head around...
Basic Summary
Skyactiv basically is a collection of intentionally manipulated aspects that combine to improve the car's fuel economy, safety capabilities and drivability benefits. Mazda have applied the technology to almost every vehicle in the brand's range.
What Does it Mean?
It means Mazda have engineered a patternable application, that allows them to market their cars as proven to be above normal industry standards in these key areas. The claim is that cars with the technology are easier to handle, lighter, more energy efficient and cost less to run.
The actual tool many people will understand however is in a marketing context. What they can do now is explain to customers how Skyactiv will improve the user's driving experience, living standard and safety. This tool will of course be used to increase sales.
A Gimic?
Yes and no. Are they doing it because of increased pressure from competitors? Absolutely. Does this mean the technology is made up and has no real impact? No it certainly does not. The motoring industry is so highly regulated that brands as established as Mazda and its rivals can't simply make stuff up. The technology will certainly offer the benefits they promote, and it will be a huge improvement on their previous models, because they have to be.
But understanding a little competitive context doesn't hurt. Ford had great success with a similar project. They named it EcoBoost. Essentially the EcoBoost enabled Ford cars to achieve what seemed like staggering fuel economy performances. Combine this with current environmental and economical concerns felt by most modern motorists and you have hugely relevant and impressionable branding opportunity.
Many will see Skyactiv as Mazda's answer to the success of this huge rival's initiative and results in this area. All car manufacturers will be making the same moves, so it's a simple case of everyone having to jump on the bandwagon in order to maintain market share.
Are They Just Copying Then?
Nope. In a typical fashion Mazda's objective has to be to go a little further with things. The Skyactiv concept covers more than just a focus on a fuel economy boost. It stretches into more ambitious areas, such as drivability, handling and user safety. It's way more of a full package thing.
This can be an issue. By having to offer too much in too many ways it can be a much greater challenge proving meaningful and outstanding results.
What's the Long Term Aim With Skyactiv?
Most other manufacturers have dealt with the growing trend of environmentally friendly transport with a more linear approach. The majority of manufacturers chose to design and launch fully electric vehicles.
Many will recognize Skyactiv as Mazda's alternative approach to the situation. Instead of trying to completely change the system, they are thinking to take what we are doing now (burning gasoline and diesel) and making vehicles that are so very efficient at doing it, the results will justify continuing to power cars in this way.
It's not in itself a direct and absolute solution to the problem of carbon emissions, however, it is a huge step in the right direction of how we should be using fuels while we have to, until a very solid alternative becomes widely available.